ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Postmodernism (international relations)

Postmodernism in international relations (IR) is a fancy way of saying that people have different perspectives on what is true, and that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to any question. Imagine you and your friend are playing a game and you both have different opinions on what the rules are. Postmodernism says that both of you can be right, even though your answers might be different.

In IR, this means that different cultures, countries, and individuals have different ideas about how to solve problems in the world. For example, some people might believe that the best way to promote peace is through military force, while others might think that talking and compromise are better strategies. Postmodernism says that both of these ideas are valid, depending on who you ask.

Postmodernism also challenges the idea that there is one "truth" that everyone should follow. Instead, it recognizes that there are many different realities and experiences that shape people's beliefs about the world. In IR, this means that there is no one "right" way to solve global problems like poverty, war, or climate change. Instead, we need to listen to different perspectives and work together to find solutions that work for everyone.

Overall, postmodernism is a way of thinking that acknowledges the complexity and diversity of the world we live in. It encourages us to be open-minded, to listen to different perspectives, and to work together to find solutions that respect everyone's experiences and beliefs.